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Prevalence of infantile autism in four French regions
1INSERM, Centre Alfred Binet, Paris, France.
Insights
This study estimated autism prevalence in French birth cohorts, finding 4.9/10,000 children affected. Most autistic children had intellectual disability and a significant portion also experienced epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Epidemiology
- Child neurology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
- Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of ASD is crucial for public health planning.
- Previous prevalence studies have varied, necessitating regional data collection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of autism in specific French birth cohorts.
- To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of autistic children.
- To investigate associated conditions, such as epilepsy, in this population.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted in four French regions.
- Data were collected on children born in the 1972 and 1976 birth cohorts.
- Prevalence, sex ratio, intellectual disability, socioeconomic status (SES), and epilepsy incidence were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of autism was estimated at 4.9 per 10,000 children.
- The boy/girl sex ratio was 2.1:1.
- Over two-thirds of the children had intellectual disability, and 22% had epilepsy, particularly those with severe intellectual disability or perinatal issues.
Conclusions:
- Autism prevalence appears stable across the studied cohorts.
- Intellectual disability and epilepsy are common comorbidities in autism.
- Few cases were linked to known medical disorders associated with autism, suggesting multifactorial etiology.
Abstract:
A survey conducted in four French regions identified a sample of 154 autistic children born in the birth cohorts 1972 and 1976. Their mean ages were respectively 6.9 and 5.5 years when their handicaps were registered to local administrative services. The overall prevalence estimate is 4.9/10,000, with little difference between the two cohorts. The boy/girl sex ratio is 2.1:1, and more than two thirds are mentally retarded. The SES distribution does not deviate from census data. An elevated incidence of epilepsy is found (22%), with higher rates among the most retarded subjects and those with perinatal antecedents. Otherwise, relatively few autistic subjects were reported to have a clearcut medical disorder known for its association with autism.